(Xinhua) The United States said Tuesday that it opposes an attempt by the leader of Taiwan to hold a referendum on whether to join the United Nations under the name of Taiwan, saying that such a move could change the status quo unilaterally and increase tensions in the Taiwan Strait.

    "The United States opposes any initiative that appears designed to change Taiwan's status unilaterally. This would include a referendum on whether to apply to the United Nations under the name Taiwan," U.S. State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said at a news briefing.

    McCormack said while such a referendum would have no practical impact on Taiwan's UN status, it would increase tensions in the Taiwan Strait.

    Moreover, the spokesman said, such a move would also appear to run counter to repeated commitments made by the leader of Taiwan to the international community.

    "Consistent with our one-China policy, we do not support Taiwan's membership in international organizations that require statehood, including the United Nations," McCormack said.

    "We support Taiwan's inclusion, as appropriate, in international organizations that do not require statehood for membership," he added.